The mainstream is accustomed to Dubai as a place wrapped in luxury, where the air murmurs extravagance, so availing of free things here is not easily assimilated. But believe me, this is an absolute myth. Surrounded by grandiose shopping places and soaring mega towers, Dubai hides a repository of free delights all at your disposal.
Free Things to Do in Dubai
Regardless of your interest in nature, steep culture, adventure, a laid-back milieu, or admiring the city marvels, Dubai never lets down, even for those on a frugal budget. Let’s delve into the best places to visit in Dubai without hurting your wallet,
1. Friends of Yoga :
Things to do in Dubai for free abound. One such session is yoga at Friends of Yoga. Spanning various sections of the city, this one-hour session will keep you in the pink of health. No matter you are a novice or a yoga expert, there are classes to cater to your level. These classes emphasizes on holistic wellness, encompassing relaxation, meditation, and breathing exercises to melt all anxiety away and thereby nurture complete inner peace.
Location : Internet City, Deira Creek, JLT Park, Bur Dubai Creek & Zabeel Park
Timings : 5:30am-6:30am, 6:30pm-7:30pm (all 7 days)
2. Car Gazing at The Walk :
Should you not desire to buy tickets to adore cars in a car museum, then head to The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence. Locals here flaunt their luxury cars from supercars to sports cars and more. Car lovers, this is your haven for indulging in spotting high-end vehicles for free.
Location : The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Timings : Evenings preferably
3. Grand Mosque :
If traditions and religion interest you, head to Dubai’s Grand Mosque. The Islamic interiors, the beautiful domes, the city’s highest Minaret, and the Quranic inscriptions are sure to leave you enthralled. The spirituality coupled with the essence of serenity seals the milieu of this mosque. And all this is free.
Location : Opp Dubai Museum, Dubai, UAE
Timings : 24/7
4. Coffee Museum :
Do you have a weakness for coffee? Step into Dubai’s Coffee Museum. With free entrance, take pleasure in a world that is all things coffee. Along with coffee’s steep history, you also possess the flexibility of familiarizing yourself with the various kinds. The best part is that the Coffee Museum is also home to coffee-related artefacts like books.
Location : AI Fahidi, Dubai UAE
Timings : 9am-5pm
5. Flamingos, Ras AI Khor :
Gazing at the pink beauties, the flamingos, is another free activity in City of the Gold. They are mostly observed surrounding Ras AI Khor Road. For witnessing them firsthand and up close, head to the wildlife sanctuary, the Ras AI Khor, where entry is free. Use your binoculars to see them inside the hiding huts. Kids will love this to the core.
Location : Ras AI Khor Road, Dubai, UAE
Timings : 7:30am-5:30pm
6. Dubai Souks :
If visiting a mall is not your thing, then head to Dubai’s souks for an authentic shopping spree. It is not mandatory to shop, even a mere window shopping of the dazzling glittering gold, the aromatic spices, the mesmerizing perfumes, or the multiple gorgeous fabrics on display is enough for immersing yourself in Dubai’s smells, sights, and sounds.
Location : Deira, Dubai, UAE
Timings : 10am onwards
7. Adventure at Hatta :
Dubai’s much adored spot, Hatta is idyllic to avail some respite from the monotonous city life. You have ample to partake in free-hiking the mountains and foothills, marvel at the gorgeous vistas, or go on a lovely bike ride. But if you are ready to spend a nominal charge, then opt for paragliding, kayaking, or even riding a horse.
Location : Dubai, UAE
Timing : 24/7
8. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library :
If you are into books, do not miss stepping into the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. Its structure, in the shape of an open book, is a treat to the eyes. The library has multiple floors filled with books of different genres, from history to art and more. It also contains an auditorium, conference halls, and a dedicated space for kids to play. Though entry is free, it is highly suggestive to book the time and date in advance for their application.
Location : AI Jaddaf, Dubai, UAE
Timings : 9am-5pm, 8pm-11pm
9. Dubai Fountain :
Positioned on the exterior of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, this is one of Dubai’s charms. The Dubai Fountain show , which takes place every half hour during evenings, is accompanied by diverse musical genres encompassing classical, international, as well as Arabic music. The water jets are perfectly choreographed, aptly synchronizing with the tunes. This sight at night is awe-inspiring. To observe this beauty for free, you have different vantage points.
Location : Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Timings : 6pm-11pm
10. Street Art :
Reaping the perks of art in an art gallery can be pricey. Worry not, as you can take pleasure in viewing the gorgeous street art done by talented local artists all across the City of Gold, including Satwa, City Walk, and Karama. The cherry on top is that these pieces of art are absolutely Insta-worthy.
Location : City Walk, Karama, Satwa
Timings : 24/7
11. Coins Museum :
Want to associate with currency history spanning nations? Step into Dubai’s Coin Museum. The glittering gold, silver, and copper metals will intrigue you. Embark on an intriguing voyage through currencies of multiple ages, encompassing the coins of Islamic states, North Africa, Iraq, and more.
Location : Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Timings : 8am-2pm (Sun-Thu), Fri-Sat closed
12. Old Dubai :
Visiting Old Dubai is akin to getting into a time capsule, which revives the deep-rooted heritage of the city. Right from the traditional stores to the tiny alleyways will transport you to the yesteryears. The Dubai Museum at AI Fahidi Fort provides a window into Dubai’s makeover to a universal metropolis from a fishing village. The AI Bastakiya Quarter, with art galleries and composed courtyards, is undeniably a calm oasis amidst Dubai’s modern hustle. Savor this eternal charm for free.
Location : Dubai UAE
Time : 24/7
13. AI Qudra Lake :
It offers the idyllic mix of a lush green setting and a serene lake, thereby opening rooms for bird watching, BBQ, camping, and more. In short, you can be one with Mother Nature. The Love Lake, with its intertwining hearts, lures romantics for its lovey-dovey settings. It boasts a diverse fauna, from flamingoes to falcons, and a diverse flora with pulsating trees and flowers, such as red begonia and olives, thus making it amid the best instagrammable places in Dubai.
Location : Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE
Timings : 24/7
Wrapping Up
So, take pleasure in the freebies in Dubai where a lavish lifestyle reign. From the best places to watch a sunset in Dubai for free to hiking, from gazing at super cars on streets to marveling at mind-blowing street art, you have surplus on the plate to unfurl without breaking the bank.
FAQs
Q1. Name five of Dubai’s best free activities.
- The Grand Mosque
- Old Dubai
- Coffee Museum
- Dubai Souks
- AI Qudra Lakes
Q2. Does Dubai offer free outdoor activities?
Q3. Name some free entertainment spots in Dubai.
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Parks
- Dubai Beaches
Q4. Does Dubai have any free cultural experiences?
- Jumeirah Mosque
- Dubai Camel Museum
- Alserkal Avenue